Austin College SEPA Students to Work With Local Nonprofits

SHERMAN, TEXAS – The Austin College Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Alleviation (SEPA) program has finalized its summer 2026 matches.

SEPA pairs talented Austin College student interns with local nonprofits to focus on community development through grant writing, providing hands-on experience for the students and a valuable service to local agencies.

Over the summer, 16 students will work with the participating nonprofit organizations for at least 200 hours to help with program or project development, researching new funding opportunities, and writing grant proposals. Work provided by interns is at no cost to the nonprofit, and each intern is paid a stipend provided by Austin College. Individual meetings are held with the nonprofit and their matched students throughout the summer to help guide the teams in their grant-seeking.

Organizations participating this year include:

• Austin College
• Boys & Girls Club of Sherman
• Grayson County Pride
• My Possibilities
• Open Arms Shelter
• Sherman Community Players
• Sherman Public Library
• The Sherman Museum
• Sherman Symphony Orchestra
• Texoma Family Shelter
• Women Rock
• Your Health Clinic
• Heart of a Matter Ministries
• Evergreen Life Services of Texas
• Grayson Grand Central Station
• Greater Texoma Health Clinic

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.